A Shilling for Candles

The serene Kent coastline is irrevocably altered by the shocking discovery of a woman's body, identified as Christine Clay, a celebrated film actress. Born Christina Gotobed, her past is shrouded in mystery, much like the circumstances of her untimely demise. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is swiftly called to investigate, plunging into the glittering yet often treacherous world of cinema, a setting Josephine Tey herself knew well through her theatrical experiences. As Grant meticulously unravels the layers of fame, bitter rivalries, and carefully guarded secrets, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden motives and compelling alibis. From discarded lovers to envious colleagues and estranged family members, the list of suspects grows, yet the true killer remains elusive. The investigation takes unexpected turns, exposing not only the dark undercurrents of celebrity but also the intricate dance between identity and memory. Grant must navigate a complex labyrinth of illusion and reality to unmask the murderer in this quintessential Golden Age mystery.